Fire risk: EE recalls free ‘Power Bar’ chargers

Mobile network EE is recalling more than a million portable “Power Bar” smartphone chargers it handed out free to customers amid fears some may cause a fire risk.

Bosses are urging customers to stop using the chargers immediately and return them to EE stores, saying it was a “precautionary action” for safety.

The portable cylinders contain a battery that allows owners to charge their smartphones on the go.

EE gave away the Power Bars free in April and an EE spokesman said slightly more than a million are in the public’s hands, with two of them found to overheat since a previous recall earlier this year.

In August, it was found a certain batch of chargers - the “E1-06” model - could be faulty and were recalled, however, the fault appears to have spread to other chargers.

“We are aware of a very small number of further incidents where Power Bars have overheated in circumstances that could cause a fire safety risk,” EE said. “If you have a Power Bar, you should stop using it straight away and hand it in to one of our stores.”

EE said it would give customers returning their Power Bars a £20 voucher.

A spokesman said: “We are taking this action because we are aware of a very small number of further incidents where Power Bars have overheated and this could cause a fire safety risk.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but customer safety is a priority and that’s why we’re taking this voluntary and precautionary action.”